parenting resources in St. Louis

Mad Science Halloween Party at the Carousel

Kids will have tons of wicked, spooky and science-filled fun at the Mad Science Halloween Party at the Carousel in Faust Park.

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Halloween Costume Contest and Harvest Party

Celebrate the harvest and Halloween at the last Schlafly Farmers Market of the season. Come dressed in your spookiest or cutest, because the costume contest will be held at 5:30 p.m. and is for kids, adults, and dogs!

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Halloween Family Fright Night

Halloween Family Fright Night features games, a DJ, a balloon artist, Halloween crafts, inflatables, airbrush tattoos, and lots more. It's designed for kids ages 3 to 10 and their families.

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8 Ways for Families to Play in St. Louis this October

October’s not all ghouls and goblins! There are plenty of spook-free festivals, activities and events that will keep your children entertained all month long, from family-friendly Oktoberfest celebrations where they can polka their hearts out to theater performances that will keep them glued to their seats.

Halloween Celebration at Watson Trail Park

Activities at this Halloween celebration include a rock wall, bounce house, giant inflatable slide, face painting, a balloon artist, a fire show, hayrides, music and more.

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Trick-or-Treating at Clayton Businesses

Kids and families are invited to visit Clayton businesses from 4 to 6 p.m. for some tricks, treats and Halloween specials.

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Halloween Family Day at the Contemporary Art Museum

'Tis the season to be spooky! Dress up your kids in their best costumes and head to the Contemporary Art Museum for a haunted dance party, ghoulish art projects, face painting, a kids' costume contest, and special guests, including Louie from the St. Louis Blues. Registration is requested for this free event.

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Things to Do

Kindergarten Prep

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Your child is old enough to start kindergarten, are they ready? Are you? At this special presentation, both you and your child will get a brief overview of what is expected before your child even enters the classroom. You'll also receive a free backpack and school supplies. Registration is required.

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Sensory Story Time

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Monday, October 2, 2023

Monday, October 9, 2023

Sensory Story Time is geared to families with young children who are on the autism spectrum or who have sensory needs. Children of all abilities are welcome.

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Trike Town at The Magic House

Adventures abound at Trike Town, the outdoor, child-size city at The Magic House. Kids can pick out their favorite little red tricycle and explore the entire city. The adventure includes a stop at the craft shop, where kids can create their own fall-themed craft, a candy shop, firehouse and more.

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Teaching in Room 9 from Nine PBS

New this season, Teaching in Room 9 takes learning beyond the classroom as viewers discover our region's resources. Children will explore the coloring wall at the Missouri History Museum, learn about dinosaurs at the Saint Louis Science Center, and experience African art and mummies at the Saint Louis Art Museum, just to name a few.

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Daytime Playtime at Olympia Gymnastics

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Monday, October 2, 2023

Daytime Playtime is an open gym for children ages 2-5 where the possibilities for fun and learning (through fun) are endless! Children will participate in activities that build coordination, strength, balance and self-confidence. They'll develop stronger motor skills, social skills, and take part in theme-based creative activities

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For over 25 years, Purina® Pro Plan® has given incredible canine athletes the platform to showcase their amazing abilities in exciting events like dock diving, flying disc, agility and more! Watch incredible dogs from across the country compete in the Incredible Dog Challenge National Finals on September 30th, 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., at Purina Farms. Bring the family, grab a bite to eat, shop from local retailers and witness incredible dogs in action. Admission is free. Parking is $5. Parking capacity is limited and registration is required. A portion of your parking fee will be donated to Open Door Animal Sanctuary. Learn more and register at purinafarms.com

"This is Halloween!"

Join the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra for a spine-tingling experience as we revisit one of Tim Burton’s most adored films, The Nightmare Before Christmas. Feel the thrill as the film unfolds on the big screen with dialogue, singing, and effects accompanied by Danny Elfman’s hauntingly charming score, brought to life by your St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Bring your families, don your frightful costumes, and immerse yourselves in the macabre beauty of Halloween. Remember, every day is Halloween in our world! Catch The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert October 6 & 8. Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Stifel Theatre. Jason Seber, Conductor. GET TICKETS

Kids grow fast—way faster than your budget. Keeping up with your kid’s needs can be overwhelming & expensive. You want to give your family what they need, and say "Yes" to the things they want. But, how?! Just Between Friends O’Fallon/Belleville can help! JBF O'Fallon/Belleville is a twice a year, pop-up kids & maternity consignment sale where local families can shop and save hundreds of dollars on everything they need to raise confident, stylish, good-looking kids! Shop our Fall & Winter Sale on October 5-8 at our NEW location: the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville. So you can stop running around to retail stores & garage sales and instead, get everything you need for the next 6 months—all in one clean, safe, organized space! And after the sale, unsold items can be donated to our charity partners serving the community. JBF O'Fallon/Belleville helping families say "Yes!" Learn more and get early-shopping tickets!

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